Ship launching means



Jan. 16, c M E SHIP LAUNCHING MEANS Filed Sept. 14, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 mwm l l l'l IMIM INVENTOR CLnudeMHirnes BY ATTORNEY Jan. 16, 1945. c. M. HINES SHIP LAUNCHING MEANS Filed Sept. 14, 1945' 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 n @M 8m IN VENTOR CLuudeMl-Iimes BY Q QM w Wm m w w 0mm 13 Bum mvw wow @QN NO mow NON m kw QR @N ZVN mm OWN NQN @mi W a Q MN MW ATTO R N EY Patented Jana l6, 1945 SHIP LAUNCHING MEANS Claude M. Hines, Pittsburgh, Pa., asslgnor to The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, Wllmerding, Pa... a corporation otPennsylvanla Application September 14, 1943, Serial No. 502,287

(Cl. til-67) 23 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical and fluid pressure control systems, and more particularly to electrohydraullc means for automatically controlling the launching of a boat or ship.

A shipbuilding dock located on a river or inlet that is too narrow to permit. endwise launching of a boat is usually arranged to enable a completed hull to be launched broadsideor sideways. in such a case the boat may be constructed parallel to the shore on suitable cradles resting on ways which are set at an incline from the building platform to the water. Where circumstances and engineering policy thus make expedient the broadside launching of a boat, careful control must be exercised to start both ends of the hull down the ways simultaneously. The initial stage of such a launching is most important, for any untimely checking of one end of the hull, as it travels down the ways, which allows the other end to overtravel to an appreciable'extent, may result in failure of the hull to enter the water in a safe manner, or may even cause complete loss or control and possibly foundering oi the vessel.

One object of my invention is to provide improved means for automatically controlling movement of a boat down ways in effecting a broadside launching.

Another object of the invention is to provide hydraulic means adapted to control at least the initial stages of the operation of launching a vessel, including means for scanning the launching motion and responsive to any tendency of the moving hull to assume a faulty or oblique position on the ways for restoring the correct alignment thereof, without unduly interfering with continued progressof the boat toward the water.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved means for controlling the position of a hull' while it is launched sideways, including fluid pressure means operative to control movement of the hull on the ways, detecting means sensitive to development of a slight displacement of one end of the moving hull relative to the other, and controlling valve means responsive to the detecting mean for regulating the fluid pressure means.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following more detailed description thereof, taken in connection with accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a ship launching apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention, certain elements of the apparatus being shown in section;

Fig. 2 is a schematic, partly sectional, view of a t ship launching apparatus embodying a different form or the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic view, partly in section, illustrating the invention in still another form.

Apparatus shown in Fig. 1

Referring to Fig. l of the drawings, the apparatus there illustrated includes a cradle l9 which may he of any suitable construction adapted to support a boat or ship during construction. The

cradle it is adapted to rest on suitable ways, not shown, on which the cradle and a completed hull are adapted to slide to the left, as viewed in the drawings, when the launching operation is carried out. Forming part of the cradle i0 is a bar it which is adapted to be disposed in right angular relation with respect to the ways on which the cradle travels to the water, and which has at one end a trip mechanism l2 and at the opposite end a similar trip mechanism l3. Each of the trip mechanisms l2 and i3 comprises a lever l5 having one end journaled on a pin 56 which is secured to 3, lug ll carried by the bar I l, and a latch member l8 which is pivotally connected to a pin l9 secured to the lever intermediate the end carried on pin it and an outer end 20. The latch member l8 has a suitably formed clevis portion adapted to fit over the adjacent end of the bar ll for holding the lever IS in parallel relation therewith, as shown in the drawings, so long as the cradle remains on the boat building platform prior to launching of the boat. An outer end of each latch member I8 is operatively aligned with a stationary stop element 23, which is arranged to be engaged bythe latch member for tripping the mechanism, following a move-'- ment of the cradle a predetermined distance toward the water in launching the boat.

For controlling and maintaining correct alignment; of the cradle l0 during the initial two or three feet of movement down the ways during a launching, there are provided a pair of hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, which are disposed parallel to each other and to the direction in which the boat is to be launched, the cylinder 25 being operatively aligned with the trip mechanism l2 and the cylinder 26 similarly arranged with respect to the trip mechanism l3. The hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 are similar in construction, comprising casing structures that are securely anchored to a stationary part of the building platform, and strong enough to withstand the pull of gravity on the cradle I0 and vessel carried thereby. Each of the hydraulic cylinders contains a piston car- Tying S i b e packing means and forming at one side thereof a stop pressure chamber 23 and at the opposite side a thrust pressure chamber 30. Secured to each piston 23 and extending through the stop pressure chamber 23 is a piston rod 32, which extends outwardly of the cylinder casing structure through an opening in a cylinder head 33. Each piston is provided with suitable packing means serving to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid between the stop and thrust chambers 23 and 30. The outer end of each of the piston rods 32 carries a ring or hook portion 35, with which the end 20 of the adjacent trip mechanism lever I is adapted to engage, as shown in the drawings.

The apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 further includes a source of hydraulic pressure comprising a pump 40 operative by an electric motor 4 and an accumulator device 42, which may be of any suitable design and is operative to receive andstore up under pressure hydraulic fluid delivered by the, pump 40. The accumulator is adapted to deliver fluid at maximum pressure to a high pressure pipe 6|.

Associated with each of the hydraulic cylin- -ders 25 and 26 is a group of three magnet valve devices, which are constructed and arranged to control the communication of hydraulic pressure from the accumulator 42 to the respective pressure chambers in the hydraulic cylinders for regulating a launching operation, as hereinafter explained. In Fig. l the three magnet valve devices associated with the hydraulic cylinder 25 have been designated by the characters A, B, and C, and exactly similar magnet valve devices controlling hydraulic pressure in the cylinder 25 have been marked A, B, and C. A description of the magnet valve devices A, B, and C associated with the upper hydraulic cylinder 25 wil1 thus convey a clear understanding of the corresponding magnet valve devices A, B and C, like reference characters being used to designate the same elements in each case.

The magnet valve device A comprises a casing 50 having formed therein a valve chamber 5| containing a valve element 52, a valve chamber 53 containing a valve element 54, and an intermediate chamber 55, which is always in communication with the stop chamber 23 or cylinder 25 by way of a pipe 55. The valve chamber 53 is connected to the high pressure pipe 6|. Both the valve elements 52 and 54 have fluted stems extending through bores in the casing connecting the respective valve chambers to the intermediate chamber 55, in which the fluted stems engageto render the valve elements operative together. A coil spring 53 is interposed between the valve element 54 and an inner wall of chamber 53 for urging that valve element toward its seated position and the other valve element 52 toward a normal unseated position. A plunger 53 is mounted in engagement with the upper valve element 52 for moving both valve elements downwardly upon energization of a suitable coil contained in the magnet valve device A.

The magnet valve device B comprises a casing 32 having formed therein a valve chamber 63 communicating through a pipe 54 with valve chamber 5| oi the magnet valve device A. Mounted in the valve chamber 63 is a valve element 68 which is normally urged upwardly by a spring 61 toward engagement with a suitable seat for controlling communication between the valve chamber and a chamber 53, which is connected to a low pressure pipe 63 leading to the sump or Eow pressure intake portion of the pump and ac 86 is adapted to be moved downwardly to an unseated position under the force appliedto a plunger 13 mounted in casing 62, upon energize.- tion of a magnet coil forming part of the magnet valve device B. y

- The magnet valve device C comprises a casing 15 in which is formed a valve chamber I3 communicating with the high pressure pipe 8|, a central chamber 13 communicating with a pipe 13 leading to the thrust chamber 33 in the hydraulic cylinder 25, and an upper valve chamber 30, which is connected to the low pressure pipe 63 already described. Mounted in valve chamber 16 is a valve element 33, which is normally urged toward its seated position, as shown in Fig. l, by the force oi! a spring 84, and which is operative to control communication from the chamber 15 through a suitable bore to the central chamber 18. For controlling communication from the chamber 13 to valve chamber 33 there is provided a valve element 83, which is disposed within the valve chamber 33 and has a fluted stem extending into the chamber 13 where it engages a similar fluted stem of the valve element 83. The valve element 36 is thus subject to the force of the spring 34 and is held in its unseated position while the valve element" is in seated position. An electromagnet is provided in the magnet valve device C for moving a plunger 31 that engages the upper valve element 38, in opposition to the force exerted by spring 34.

Accordin to the invention in the form disclosed in Fig. 1, control of both groups of magnet valve devices A, B, and C, and A, B, and C, is maintained through the medium of a pair of directional relay devices 30 and 3|, which are adapted to be energized in accordance with any variation in the relative movements of the respective piston rods 32 of hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, during a boat launching operation as hereinafter explained.

The directional relay 30, comprising a magnet 33 and a movable switch contact member 34 operative thereby, is adapted to be energized by current directed froma variable resistor 35, which is associated with a sliding contact element 33 carried in suitably insulated relation on the piston rod 32 of hydraulic cylinder 25. The other directional relay 3| comprises a magnet 31 and a switch contact member 38, and is arranged for operation in response to the supply of current by way of a variable resistor I00 that is disposed ad'- jacent the piston rod 32 of the hydraulic cylinder 26, A sliding contact element |3|, carried on and insulated from the piston rod 32 of hydraulic cylinder 26, is disposed in engagement with the resistor Hill for controlling the flow of current therethrough, as hereinafter explained.

Assuming that a vessel rests on the cradle l3 and is ready to be launched, the launching control equipment shown in Fig. 1 may be conditioned for operation by closing a master control switch 3, which is adapted to establish connection from a source of electric power to a pair of line conductors Ill and 2. Electrical energy is thereby supplied to the motor 4| associated with the compressor 45, by way of the conductor III, a conductor H5, connected to the motor, a conductor H8 connecting the motor to a compressor governor ill 01' suitable design, and a return conductor 3 leading to the conductor 2. It will be understood that the compressor 40 is then rendered operative by the motor 4| to maintain a supply of hydraulic fluid under a predetermined pressure within the accumulator device 62. The accumulator device 62 thus becomes operative to maintain a predetermined hydraulic pressure throughout the high pressure pipe 6|, and in the valve chambers connected thereto, including valve chambers I6 in the respective magnet valve devices C and C. and valve chambers 53 in the magnet valve devices A and A. As hereinbefore explained, the inlet or sump connections of the compressor 49 and accumulator 'device'42 communicate with the low pressure pipe 69 leading to the valve chambers 66 of the two magnet valve devices C and C, and to the chambers 68 in magnet valve devices B and B.

Closure of the master switch IID also establishes a control circuit which includes the conductor ill, a branching conductor I26, the resistances 95 and Hill connected in parallel thereto, another branching conductor IZI, and the return conductor H2. With both pistons 28 of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 disposed in the normal or fully retracted position, as shown in Fig. l, the slidable contact elements 96 and I98 carried by the respective piston rods are held similar positions adjacent the ends of the associated resistors 95 and till]. The slidable contact element 96 and the opposite contact element idl are electrically connected with the two rectionai relays 96 and ill by way of a circuit ncludes extensible conductor i125 concontact element 66, a conductor i26. a conductor ltl, the coil 9?, a contor and another extensible conductor i29 leading to the slidable contact element llli. Since the two slidable contact elements 96 and 151i initially occupy the same starting position with respect to the parallel-connected resistors and Hill, substantially no current can normally flow through either of the directionally opposed coils 93 and 97!. Consequently the switch contact members or the directional relay devices 96 and 9!! are normally disposed in dropped out position, the switch contact member 94 thus normally resting in engagement with a back contact element 533 while the switch contact member 68 similarly engages a back contact member 336.

To establish the supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, the movable contact member M9 of a suitable selector switch is moved into engagement with a contact element l il, thereby establishing a circuit which i cludes the line conductor l I I, a conductor I42, contact members I60 and MI, and a conductor l id leading to a junction point I45, where the circuit divides and continues in one direction through a conductor M1, the coil of the magnet valve device A, a conductor I46, and a conductor I56 connected to the line wire H2. The other branch of this circuit leads from junction point I 45 through a conductor I52, the winding of the magnet valve device A, and a conductor I53 connected to conductor I50. With the respective magnets of the valve devices A and A thus energized, the valve elements 52 and 54 in each device are moved to their respective seated and unseated positions, as shown in Fig. 1, so that hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied from the accumulator device 42 to the stop chambers 29 of both hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, by flow through the high pressure pipe 6|, valve chamber 53 and chamber 55 in each valve device, and each of the pipes 56. It will be understood that the pressure of hydraulic fluid thus maintained in the stop chambers 29 of both hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 exerts a sufllcient force through the medium of the corresponding pistons 28 and piston rods 32 to restrain any tendency of the cradle III to move down the ways, even after the usual blocks or shoring means have been removed.

With the hydraulic pressure once established in the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, the switch contact member I46 may be moved to an intermediate position, indicated by the reference character I53. The resultant deenergization of the magnets of the two magnet valve devices A and A renders the springs 59 thereof eflective to return the associated valve elements to their normal positions. Each valve element 54 is thus seated while the cooperating valve element 52 is unseated. It will be understood that since the magnet valve devices B and B are at this time deenergized, so that the respective valve elements 66 are maintained in seated position, the unseating of the valve elements 52 of the magnet valve devices A and A will not cause any reduction in the pressure of fluid in either of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26.

When it is desired to effect operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. l to permit launching of a boat which has been erected on the cradle Ill, the control switch member I40 is moved out of the intermediate position indicated at I53 and into engagement with a contact element i55. With the control switch thus positioned, the magnet windings in both of the magnet valve devices 5 and B are simultaneously energized through parallel circuits under the control of the normally dcenergized directional relay devices 96 and 9i. The energizing circuit for the magnet valve device B includes the line conductor i ll, conductor 5 12, contact members I66 and l55, switch contact member 94, back contact member 133. a conductor ill, the magnet coil B, a conductor I58 and the conductors I56 and H2. The circuit for the other magnet valve device 13' comprises. beginning with the common contact element I55 of the control switch, the switch contact member 98 of directional relay 9|, the back contact element I34, a conductor I60, the magnet B, and a conductor i6I connected to the conductor I56. Upon energization of the magnet coils of the devices B and B as just explained, the respective valve elements 66 therein are forced downwardly to their unseated positions.

With both of the magnet valve devices B and B thus energized to establish communication from the respective stop chambers 29 of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 to the low pressure pipe 69, in each case by way of pipe 56, chamber 55 of valve device A or A, past the unseated valve element 52, through pipe 64 and past the unseated valve element 66, hydraulic fluid is then free to flow from the stop chambers to permit displacement of the pistons 28 to the left, under the force of gravity pulling the cradle I 0 down the ways toward the water. Hydraulic fluid is at the same time drawn into the thrust chambers 30 of both hydraulic cylinders, by way of the respective pipes 79 which communicate at th s time with the low pressure pipe 69 through the valve chambers 80 and chambers I8 of the 'deenergized magnet valve devices B and B. If the launching operation thus proceeds according to plan. with both ends of the cradle moving down the ways at the same rate so that the sliding contact element 96 and IIII remain in balanced relation with respect to resistances and 566 to prevent energization of either of the ditoward the water unchecked until the two trip elements I8 engage the corresponding stop members 23 at substantially the same time. The trip members I8 are then actuated to cause the latch levers I to become released from the respective piston rods 32.

Let it be assumed, however, that the end of the cradle l0 adjacent the hydraulic cylinder device 25 fails for some reason to travel as fast at the other end of the cradle, so that the boat being launched tends to become canted with respect to the ways. With the sliding contact element 96 carried by the piston rod 32 associated with the hydraulic cylinder 25 thus checked, the

continued movement of the other slidable con- 96, resistor 95 and conductor I2I to the return conductor I I2. Current thus passing through the directional coils 91 and 93 effects energization only of the coil 91, so that the movable switch contact element 98 is lifted out of engagement with the back contact member I36 and brought into contact with a front contact element IGI, while the other directional relay device 90 remains inoperative.

Disengagement of the switch contact member 96 from the back contact element I34 breaks the circuit for the magnet valve device B and thus --causcs movement of the valve element 66 thereof to its seated position. The hydraulic fluid remaining in the stop chamber 29 of the hydrau'iic cylinder 26 is thereby bottled up. preventing further movement of the associated piston 28 to the left.

At the same time, the switch contact member 98 in engaging the front contact element I6I establishes a circuit for energizing the magnet valve device C, which circuit includes a conductor I 63 connected to the front contact element I 6i, the coil of the magnet valve device 0, a conductor I64, and the return conductor I50 leading to the line conductor II2. Upon energization of the magnet valve device 0, the associated valve elements 86 and 83 are moved down wardly to their respective seated and unseated positions, with the result that hydraulic fluid at the predetermined pressure maintained in the ac-' cumulator 42 is supplied to the thrust chamber 30 of the hydraulic cylinder 25, the fluid under pressure flowing from the high pressure pipe 6| by way of valve chamber 16 of the magnet valve device C past the unseated valve element 83, and thence through chamber 18 and pipe 19 to the chamber 30. The hydraulic pressure thus applied to the piston 26 in hydraulic cylinder 25 is transmitted through the piston rod 32 and the connected latch mechanism l2 to the end of the cradle structure I0 that has just been retarded in its movement down the ways.

It will be apparent that the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is thus operative to restore the correct alignment of the cradle carrying the vessel toward the water, by simultaneously checking motion of the advanced end of the cradle, and applying an accelerating or thrust force to the.

other end thereof to overcome the retarding frictional force that caused the difficulty. As the boat hull and cradle III are thereby brought out of an oblique position on the ways and into the correct alignment, the oppositely disposed slidable contact elements 96 and IOI are once again positioned at corresponding points on the respective resistors 95 and I00. The normal balanced condition of the circuit connected to the directional relay devices 9I and 90 is thus restored, and the coil 91 is consequently deenerg zed.

It will be understood that the foregoin operation may normally be expected to occur quickly, or within a few seconds. Upon deenergization of the magnet coil 91 of the directional relay device 9i, the movable switch contact 96 thereof drops away from the front contact element I60, thus breaking the circuit through which the magnet valve device C has been energized, and restoring the circuit for energizing the magnet valve device B; Upon deenergization of the magnet valve device C, the spring 84 shifts the valve element 83 into seated position while unseating the other valve element 66, so that further supply of hydraulic fluid under maximum pressure to the thrust chamber 30 of the hydraulic cylinder 26 is cut off, while that piston chamber is once again connected with the low pressure or sump pipe 69. The energization of the magnet valve device B at the same time results in operation of the valve element 66 to reestablish communication between the stop pressure chamber 29 of the hydraulic cylinder 26 to the low pressure pipe 69, to permit the resumption of movement of the associated piston 28.

The cradle I0 is thus conditioned to continue sliding down the ways toward the water in the correct position, the tendency of one end thereof to advance farther than the other having been overcome by the operation of the control apparatus described.

The response of the control apparatus to faulty positioning of the cradle structure I0 on the ways when the end controlled by the hydraulic cylinder 26 overtravels that associated with hydraulic' cylinder 26 has just been explained. It will be understood that the equipment is adapted to operate in the same manner in case the cradle should become displaced the opposite direction, with the end controlled by hydraulic piston 26 in advance of the end associated with hydraulic.

cylinder 26. In such a case the directional relay device 90 would be energized, with the resuit that hydraulic fluid under pressure would be applied to the piston in the hydraulic cylinder 26, while the further movement of piston 'in hydraulic cylinder 26 would be stopped temporarily, to effect restoration of the proper alignment of the cradle of the ways.

Apparatus shown in Fig. 2 A ship launching control equipment embodying the invention in a different form is illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings.

what displaced from the positions occupied by the same elements as shown in Fig. 1, in order to accommodate a different arrangement of the electroresponsive equipment, it will be understood that the hydraulic operation of the system shown in Fig. 2 is essentially the same as that in Fig. 1.

In addition to the hydraulic control elements already described, the equipment shown in Fig. 2 comprises an electronic detector apparatus which is operative to measure and initiate correction of angular displacement of the cradle I0 supporting the boat to be launched. As is shown in Fig. 2, a pin I mounted at the center point of the bar II of the cradle I0 is pivotally connected through a rod IN to a pin I12 carried by a light carrier structure I13. Suitable rollers I'M are provided on the carrier structure I13 for permitting it to follow freely the lateral movement of the cradle I0 during initial stages of launching a boat. The rollers I14 are preferably guided by suitable track means (not shown) so that the carrier structure I13 will travel in a fixed path, regardless of any faulty angular movement of the cradle.

Supported on the carrier structure I13 are two oppositely facing photoelectric cells I11 and I18, which are constructed and arranged to respond to the incidence of light rays on lateral windows I18 and I80, respectively, housed on the carrier structure. The photoelectric cells I11 and I18 constitute'elements of separate photoelectric relay assemblies, the other elements of which may either be carried on the carrier structure I13 or may be conveniently located elsewhere and connected to the respective photoelectric cells by suitable conductors. As shown in Fig. 2, the photoelectric relay assembly connected to the cell I11 may comprise an amplifier element I90 which is constructed and arranged to respond to current flowing through the photoelectric cell I11 for supplying a correspond-. ing current of increased magnitude through a pair of series-connected electromagnets I9I and I02, which are in turn adapted to control the positioning of a pair of movable switch contact elements I93 and I94, respectively. The same construction is provided in the photoelectric relay assembly associated with the photoelectric cell I18, and may include an amplifier element I95 which is constructed and arranged to deliver current to magnet coils I98 and I91 in accordance with the incidence of light on the photoelectric cell I18. The magnet coil I98 is adapted to control movement of a switch contact member I98, while the other magnet coil I91 is arranged to actuate a switch contact member I99. It should be understood that each photoelectric relay assembly illustrated in Fig. 2 is shown in simplified form, and that in actual practice other types of electronic means might be employed to accomplish the same purpose.

According to the invention as illustrated in Fig. 2, the photoelectric cells I11 and I18 are normally disposed within the paths of light beams projected from corresponding points on the respective piston rods 32 of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26. Mounted on the piston rod 82 of the hydraulic cylinder 25 is an electric light element 203, which isadapted to be energized from a suit able source of power, not shown, for focusing a beam of light on the window I19 associated with the photoelectric cell I 11. Similarly, an electric lifl t element 205 is secured to the piston rod 82 of hydraulic cylinder 26, and is operative to direct a beam of light through the window I to the photoelectric cell I18.

As indicated on the drawings, the windows I19 and I80 are preferably provided with suitable grills which are adapted to admit light rays focused directly on the windows while acting as shields for limiting the effect of light rays entering at oblique angles. It should be understood that the electric light elements 203 and 205 are mounted at the same positions on the respective piston rods 32 and are normaly disposed slightly in advance of the center points of the windows I19 and I80 of the carrier structure I13. It will thus be seen that, with the various moving elements of the launching equipment disposed in normal positions, as shown in the Fig. 2, the beam of light directed by each of the light elements 203 and 205 will fall directly on only a portion of the area of the corresponding window and adjacent photoelectic cell. Under this condition each of the photoelectric cells I11 and I18 is adapted to eiiect energization of the associated photoelectric relay assemblyto a normal degree. As hereinafter explained, an increase in the incidence of light on either of the photoelectric cells will result in energization of the associated photoelectric relay assembly to a degree in excess of the normal value. On the other hand, any change in the relative position of either electric light element with respect to the corresponding photoelectric cell causing the light beam to shift away from the photoelectric cell will result in deenergization of the photoelectric relay assembly controlled by that cell.

It should further be understood that the photo-'- electric relay assembly responsive to incidence of light on the photoelectric cell I 11 is so constructed and arranged that, under the normal condition producing normal energization of the magnet coils HM and I92 in the manner just explained, the switch contact element I93 is picked up while the switch contact element I84 is dropped out, as shown in Fig. 2. Likewise, the other photoelectric relay assembly controlled. in accordance with the incidence of light on the photoelectric cell I18 is rendered operative, under the normal conditions specified, to maintain the switch contact element I99 picked up while the switch contact element I98 remains dropped out. A slight increase in the current generated in or controlled by either photoelectric relay assembly will cause both of the switch contact members associated therewith to assume picked up position. On the other hand, a slight decrease in the degree of energization of either photoelectric relay assembly from the normal degree will result in the dropping out of both of the associated switch contact elements.

The launching equipment shown in Fig. 2 can be prepared to control the launching of a completed vessel supported on the cradle I0 in the same manner as has already been described in connection with Fig. 1. A control switch element M0 is first moved into contact with a contact element 2H for establishing circuits for energizing the magnet Valve devices B and B. The circuit through which the magnet valve device B is energized includes the line conductor II2, the switch contact elements 2I0' and 2", a conductor 2 I2, the relay switch contact element I83, 9. contact member 2I3 normally engaged thereby, a conductor 2I5, the magnet winding of the valve device B, and a return conductor 2I8 leading to line conductor III. The second circuit through which current is supplied to energize the tion of movement down the ways, so that the electric light elements 293 and 299 are both conditioned to focus beams of light on the forward portions of windows I19 and I39, thereby effecting energization oi the two photoelectric relay assemblies at the predetermined normal degree,

the switch contact elements I94 and I99 are consequently disposed in their dropped out position, as shown. As hereinafter explained, the switch contact element I94 controls the circuit for energizing the magnet valve C, and the switch contact element I99 forms part of the circuit for energizing the magnet valve device C. Both of these magnet valve devices are thus initially in their normal or deenergized positions, for connecting the thrust chambers 39 of both hydraulic cylinders to the low pressure pipe 39.

Upon energization of the magnet valve device B and B, as hereinbefore explained, hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow from the stop chambers 29 of the respective hydraulic cylinders 25 and 29 to the low pressure or sump pipe 39, by way of communications in the magnet .valve devices A and A and past the unseated valve elements 33 in the valve devices B and B. So long as the cradle I9 remains in proper alignment with respect to the ways down which it is sliding towards the water, the electric light elements 293 and 29! carried by the piston rods 32 are maintained in the same normal positions relative to the carrier structure I13 following the cradle. Upon the substantially simultaneous engagement of the trip elements I9 of the latch mechanisms I2 and I3 with the respective stop elements 23, the cradle I9 is finally disconnected from the hydraulic cylinders and travels on into the water in the usual manner.

In the event of excessive motion of one end of the cradle and boat hull with respect to the opposite end, during the flrst stages of a launching operation, the photo-electric relay assemblies are immediately rendered operative to cause automatic correction of this undesirable condition. Assuming that the end of the cradle carrying the latch mechanism I2 is checked and is overrun by the other end of the cradle associated with the latch mechanism I3, it will be apparent that the resultant excessive movement of the piston rod 32 carrying the electric light element 294 will proiect the light beam forwardly of and away from the window I99, while on the other hand the electric light element 293 carried on the retarded piston rod 32 of hydraulic cylinder 25 will be pro- Jected directly on substantially the entire area of the window I'I9.

With the incidence of light on window I99 and i the associated photoelectric cell I13 thus reduced to a minimum, the reduction in degree of energization of the associated photoelectric relay as-.

plied through the coils III and I92, due to the full incidence of light on the photoelectric cell I11 just explained, is effective to move the switch contact element I94 into engagement with a contact member 225, while the contact member I93 is maintained in contact with its contact member 2I3. Closure of the relay switch contact member I94 causes energization of the magnet valve device C through a circuit including the conductor 2I2, the switch contact members I94 and 225, a conductor 229, the coil of the magnet valve device C, and a conductor 22'! connected to the conductor 2I9. The magnet valve device C is thus rendered operative to cheat supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the thrust chamber 39 of the hydraulic cylinder 25, so that the end of the cradle I9 which has become stuck is subjected to a force tending to produce forward motion at the same time that the opposite end of the eradle is temporarily prevented from moving.

Upon restoration of the proper alignment of the cradle I9 on the launching ways, the various elements of the control apparatus, including the electric light elements .293 and 295 and the carriage structure carrying the photoelectric cells I" and I18, are again brought into the same relative positions normally occupied as shown in Fig. 2. Both hydraulic cylinders 25 and 29 are then again conditioned to permit steady progress of thecradle and vessel toward the water without further interference.

When the control switch member 2I9 is moved out of engagement with the contact member 2H and into engagement with a contact member 239, following completion of the launching of the vessel, the circuits for energization of the magnet valve devices A and A are established to render those devices operative to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to the respective stop chambers 29 of hydraulic cylinders 25 and 29, as hereinbefore explained. In Fig. 2, the circuit for the magnet valve A includes, beginning with the contact 239, a conductor 23I, the winding of the magnet A' and a conductor 232 leading by way of return conductor 2I3 to the line conductor III. The circuit for the other magnet valve device A includes the conductor 23I, the winding of the magnet A, and a conductor 233 leading to the return conductor 2I3.

Apparatus shown in Fig. 3.

lsive detector apparatus for measuring faulty alignment of the cradle I9 during a launching operation.

The electroresponsive detector apparatus shown in Fig. 3, in association with the hydraulic and mechanical elements of the invention already described, comprises three relays 249, 24I and 242 for controlling operation of the magnet valve devices A, B and C, and three corresponding relays 245, 249 and 241 which are operative to control the other set of magnet valve devices A, B and C.

The relay 249 comprises a single coil 299 and a switch contact member "I adapted to be actuated thereby. The relay 2 is of the polarized type and has a switch contact 252, which is controlled by a pair of magnetically opposed or bucking coils 253 and 294 that are normally cooperative when energized by like currents to pick up the contact member, as shown in the drawings. The coils 253 and 254 are constructed and arranged to drop out the contact member 252 in response to any increase in the current supplied through the upper coil 253, for a. purpose hereinafter explained. The relay 242 also comprises a pair of bucking coils 256 and 251, which are so balanced as to react to equal energizing currents to allow an associated switch contact member 258 to remain in dropped-out position as shown. The relay 242 is of a polarized type and is designed to pick up the switch contact member 258 in response to an increase in the degree of energization of the coil 251, while remaining unresponsive to any increase in the energization of the other coil 256.

The relay 245 is similar to the relay 240 and includes a coil 260 operative when energized to pick up a switch contact member 26I. The relay 246, like the relay 24 I has a polarized characteristic and includes bucking coils 263 and 264, which when energized by balanced currents, cooperate to hold a switch contact member 262 in picked-up position. The switch contact member 262 is adapted to drop out in response to an increase in the current supplied to the coil 263. The polarized relay 241 comprises balanced opposing colls- 266 and 261, which cooperate in response to an increase in current supplied to the coil 261 to pick up an associated switch contact member 268.

According to the invention, the relays 240, 24I and 242 and the associated relays 245, 246 and 241 are jointl controlled through the medium of normally balanced electrical circuit, which are in turn adapted to be energized in accordance with the conditioning of a pair of variable resistors 26I and 262 by the respective piston rods of hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26. The variable resistor 26l has associated therewith a slidable contact element 263 which is secured to the piston rod 32 of the hydraulic cylinder 25. The similar variable resistor 262 is provided with a slidable contact element 264 carried by piston rod 32 of hydraulic cylinder 26. It will be under'stood that the slidable contact elements 263 and 264 occupy similar relative positions on the respective piston rods, and are thus adapted to establish similar circuit conditions when the hydraulic cylinder devices are operated synchronously during a ship launching operation.

As in the equipments already described, the magnet valve devices A and A are adapted to be energized to effect supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the high pressure pipe 6| to the stop Chambers 29 of hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, in order to condition the ship launching apparatus for operation to control movement of a vessel down the ways. In this case, a control switch member 210 is moved into contact with a contact member 21! to close a circuit which includes the conductor H2, the switch contact members just mentioned, a conductor 213, and a conductor 214 leading by way of the magnet winding A and a conductor 215 to a return conductor 216 connected to the line conductor H2. The same circuit also includes a parallel branch which consists of the magnet Winding of the valve device A, connected to conductor 213, and the return conductor 216. Operation of the magnet valve devices A and A to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 will be understood from the descriptions already presented in connection with the other embodiments of the invention.

Normal operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 in the launching of a vessel is much the same as thatof the previously described equipments. The electrical detector system is conditioned for operation upon closure of a switch 280, for establishing a circuit which includes the line conductor H2, the switch 280, a conductor 28I, the resistor 26l, the slidable contact element 263, a conductor 282, the series connected co l windings 250, 253 and 256, a conductor 284, the seriesconnected coil winding 261 and 264 and a conductor 285, leading to the line conductor III. A parallel circuit normally balanced with that just traced is also established at this time, and includes the emergency switch 280, conductor 20!, the resistor 262, the slidable contact element 264, a conductor 281, the series-connected coil windings 260, 263 and 266, a conductor 288, the seriesconnected coil windings 251 and 254, and a conductor 289 connected to the conductor 285. It will be apparent that since, under normal circumstances the variable resistors 26! and 262 are conditioned to maintain equal amounts of resistance in each of the circuits just traced, substantially similar currents will be supplied to the associated magnet windings of the relays. As already pointed out, such a balanced condition is accompanied by disposition of the movable contact member 25I, 252, 261 and. 262 in their picked-up or circuit closing positions, while the movable contact members 258 and 268 are normally maintained in their dropped-out or circuit opening positions, as shown in Fig. 3.

With the two sets of relays conditions for normal operation as just explained, the magnet valve devices B and B are both energized to permit discharge flow of hydraulic fluid from the respective stop chambers 28 of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26, in the manner hereinbefore described in connection with the similar devices shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The magnet valve device B is energized through a circuit which comprises the starting switch element 210, a contact member 300, a conductor 301, the closed switch member 2'5l, aconductor 302, the closed switch contact member 26l, a conductor 303, the closed switch contact member 262, and a conductor 304 connected one lead of the magnet B, the other lead of which is connected to the return conductor 216. The magnet valve device B is energized through a parallel branch of the foregoin circuit, which includes, beginning with the conductor 303, a conductor 306, the closed switch contact member 252, a conductor 301, the winding of the magnet B, and the return conductor 216.

The magnet valve devices C and C are controlled bythe -relays 242'and 241, respectively, and since the movable contact members associ ated with these relays are at this time in droppedout position, these magnet valve devices are thus conditioned to maintain communication between the thrust chambers 30 of the hydraulic cylinders 25 and 26 and the low pressure pipe 69.

To explain the operation of the relays forming the means for detecting movement of the cradle bearing the hull out of proper alignment, it will now be assumed that as the cradle 10 slides down the ways the slidable contact element 263 is caused to move farther to the left than the slidable contact element 264 carried on the opposite hydraulic cylinder piston rod, as viewed in Fig. 3. It will be apparent that in such a case the cur rent passing through the resistor 26!, and

through the series-connected magnet coil windings 2, 258, 256, 261 andfll, will be increased with respect to the current flowing in the opposite direction through the associated circuit, already traced. As previously explained, the bucking coils of the relay 2 are so constructed and arranged as to respond to an increase in the current supplied through the coil 253 by dropping out the movable contact member 252. Due to the directional characteristic of the polarized relay 242, the increase in current passing through the coil B is not effective to move the switch contact member 258, which remains in its droppedout position. The polarized relay 241, however, becomes effective to the response to the increase in current supplied to the coil 26'! to pick up the switch contact member 268. At the same time the relay 246 remains operative to hold the associated switch contact member 262 in its closed position.

With the polarized relay 2 thus rendered operative to drop out the switch contact member 252, the magnet valve device B is deenergized and the valve element 66 thereof is seated to cut oil further discharge of hydraulic fluid from the stop chamber 29 of the hydraulic cylinder 25. Operation of the relay 241 to pick up the switch contact member 268 is at the same time effective launching of a vessel, in combination, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of one end of the vessel, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of the other end thereof, automatic valve means constructed and arranged to control the pressure of fluid in both of said fluid pressure means, and means Jointly cooperative with said fluid pressure means for efl'ecting operation of said valve means.

4. In an apparatus adapted to govern the launching of a vessel, in combination, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of one end of the vessel, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of the other end thereof, automatic valve means constructed and arranged to control the pressure of fluid in both of said fluid pressure means, and means jointly cooperative with said fluid pressure means for effecting operation of said valve means, said last named means being conto cause operation of the magnet valve device C', in the manner hereinbefore explained, to cause the supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the -high pressure pipe 6| to the pipe 19 leading to the thrust chamber 30 of the hydraulic cylinder 28. The apparatus is thus antomatically operative to halt the overtraveling end of the cradle III while exerting a starting force against the end which has become stalled or retarded. Upon restoration of the normal balanced condition of the circuits of the associated relays, as a result of return of the cradle to the proper'alignment, the usual launching operation can be continued.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description of several species of the invention that my improved ship launching apparatus will be automatically operative to control the important initial stages of a launching operation in such a manner as to insure maintenance of the correct alignment of the vessel as it proceeds down the ways.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

structed and arranged to detect improper alignment of said vessel during the launching operation.

5. In an apparatus adapted to govern the launching of a vessel, in combination, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of one end of the vessel, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of the other end thereof, a source of fluidunder pressure, and automatic, valve means constructed and arranged to supply fluid under pressure from said source to either or both of said fluid pressure means, in accordance with the relative motion between the ends oi said vessel while it is being launched.

6. A ship launching control system comprising a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to govern the launching of a hull sideways, valve means selectively operative to supply and release fluid under pressure to and from said fluid pressure devices, detector means for measuring undue changes in the relative positions of opposite ends of the hull when 1. In an apparatus adapted to govern the launching of a vessel, in combination, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of one end of the vessel, fluid pressure means for controllin movement of the other end thereof, and automatic valve means constructedand arranged to control the fluid pressure in both of said fluid pressure means in accordance with the relative motion between the ends of said vessel while it is being launched.

2. In an apparatus adapted to govern the launching of a vessel, in combination, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of one end of the vessel, fluid pressure means for controlling movement of the other end thereof, automatic valve means constructed and arranged to control the fluid pressure in both of said fluid pressure means, and mechanism operative to actuate said valve means in accordance with relative motion between the ends of said vessel while it is being launched.

3. In an apparatus adapted to govern the in motion, and means responsive to said detector means for eiiecting automatic operation of said valve means.

7. A ship launching control system comprising a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to govern the launching of a hull sideways, and fluid pressure controlled valve means automatically operative, in response to any undue change in the relative positions oi opposite ends of said hull when in motion, to effect selective operation of said fluid pressure devices for correcting the position of the moving hull.

8. A ship launching control system comprising a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to govern the launching of a hull sideways, valve means selectively operative to supply and release fluid under pressure to and from said fluid pressure devices, detector means for measuring undue changes in the relative positions of opposite ends of the hull when in motion, and means cooperative with said detector means and with said valve means to establish fluid pressure conditions in each of said fluid pressure devices tending to synchronize the launching movements of both ends of the hull.

9. A ship launching control system comprising a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to govern the launching of a hull sideways, electroresponsive valve means selectively operative to supply and release fluid under pressure to and from said fluid pressure devices, electrical detector means for measuring undue changes in the relative positions or the opposite ends of the hull when in motion, and means cooperative therewithfor controlling circuit for energizing said electrcresponsive valve means.

10. A ship launching control system comprising cradle means-for supporting a hull, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the hull sideways, latch means detachably connecting said fluid pressure devices to said cradle means and operative to release said cradle means upon predetermined travel thereof, and automatic valve means constructed and arranged to control the pressure of fluid in each of said fluid pressure devices in accordance with the relative motion between the ends of said cradle means in launching the hull.

1. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said devices including a piston and a cylinder adapted to be charged with fluid under pressure, and valve means automatically operative to control the discharge of said fluid from each of said cylinders in accordance with the relative motion be-- tween the ends of said cradle means in launching a hull.

12. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said devices including a piston operative in a Eylinder adapted to be charged with fluid under pressure, valve mean automatically operative to control the discharge of said fluid from each of said cylinders, and means for scanning the motion of said cradle means in launching the vessel and operative to control said valve means.

13. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said devices including a piston mounted in a. cylinder adapted to be charged with pressure, valve means operable to control the pressure of fluid in each of said cylinders, detector means associated with said cradle means and said fluid pressure devices for measuring any change in the alignment of said cradle means in motion, and means responsive to said detector means for controlling said valve means.

14. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said fluid pressure devices comprising a cylinder containing a piston interposed between stop and thrust pressure chambers, valve means operable to control release of fluid selectively from the stop chambers of said fluid pressure devices, other valve means operable to control supply of fluid under pressure selectively to the thrust chambers of said fluid pressure devices, and control means operative to coordinate operation of said valve means in accordance with relative motion between the ends of said cradle means in launching the vessel.

15. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said fluid pressure devices comprising a cylinder containing a piston interposed between stop and thrust pressure chambers, valve means operable to control release of fluid selectively from the stop chambers of said fluid pressure devices, other valve means operable to control supply of fluid under pressure selectively to the thrust chambers of said fluid pressure devices, and detector means for scanning the motion of said cradle means in launching the vessel, said detector means being cooperative. with said valve means, upon overtravel of one end of said cradle means beyond the other, to cause said fluid pressure devices to check the advanced end of said cradle means while applying a thrust force to the trailing end.

16. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arrang d to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said fluid pressure devices comprising a cylinder containing a piston interposed between stop and thrust pressure chambers, valve means operable to control release of fluid selectively from the stop chambers of said fluid pressure devices, other valve means operable to control supply of fluid under pressure selectively to the thrust chambers of said fluid pressure devices, and detector means for scanning the motion of said cradle means in launching the vessel, said detector means being cooperative with said valve means, upon overtravel of one end of the cradle means beyond the other, to check the flow of fluid from the stop chamber of the fluid pressure device controlling the advanced end of said cradle means, while supplying fluid under pressure to the thrust chamber of the fluid pressure device controlling the trailing end.

17. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, each of said fluid pressure devices comprising a cylinder containing a piston interposed between stop and thrust pressure chambers, magnet valve devices operative to release fluid from the respective stop chambers of said fluid pressure devices, other magnet valve devices operative to supply fluid under pressure to the respective thrust chambers of said fluid pressure devices, energizing circuits for said magnet valve devices, and relay means adapted to be energized in accordance with the relative motion between the ends of said cradle 7 means for controlling said circuits.

18. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support the vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, a plurality of magnet valve means'selectively operable to supply and release fluid under pressure to and from said fluid pressure devices, relay means controlling circuits. through which the magnet valve devices are ener gized, and means conditioned by the Joint action of said fluid pressure devices for controlling energization of said relaymeans.

19. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support a vessel to be launchedfa plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel-and alignment of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, a plurality of magnet valve devices controlling supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from each of said fluid pressure devices, means constituting opposed electrical circuits that are balanced while said cradle means is maintained in normal alignment, and relay means controlled by said circuits and responsive to an unbalanced condition thereof, resulting from faulty alignment of the cradle means, for selectively energizing said magnet valve devices in order to reestablish proper launching conditions.

20. In a launching control apparatus, in com- .bination, cradle means adapted to support a vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel and alignment of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, 9, plurality of magnet valve devices controlling supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from each of said fluid pressure devices, means constituting opposed electrical circuits each including variable resistor elements controlled by the respective fluid pressure devices, and directional relay means responsive to current set up in one or the other of said circuits upon faulty movement of said cradle means, said directional relay means being constructed and arranged to effect selective energization of said magnet valve devices for maintaining said cradle means in proper alignment.

211 In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support a vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel and alignment of said cradle means in launching the vessel sideways, a plurality of magnet valve devices controlling supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from each of said fluid pressure devices, electronic means constructed and arranged to scan the motion of said cradle means in launching'the vessel and operative to effect selective energization' of said magnet valve devices for maintaining said cradle means in proper alignment.

22. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support a vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel and alignment of said cradlemeans in launching the vessel sideways. a plurality of magnet valve devices controlling supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from each of said fluid pressure devices, electronic means constructed and arranged to scan movement of said cradle means in launching the vessel, and relay means controlled by said electronic means for efl'ecting selective energization of said magnet valve devices.

23. In a launching control apparatus, in combination, cradle means adapted to support a vessel to be launched, a plurality of spaced fluid pressure devices constructed and arranged to control lateral travel and alignment of said cradle means in launchin the vessel sideways, a plurality of magnet valve devices controlling supply and release of fluid under pressure to and from each of said fluid pressure devices, and photoelectric relay means constructed and arranged to control energization of said magnet valve devices in accordance with the relative motion between the ends of said cradle means during a launching operation.

CLAUDE M. HINES. 

